Mission statement:
We empower young girls to build their confidence in STEM through weekly coding camps. This year, we hope to encourage them to explore and experiment with computer-aided design, game-making, and creative engineering. In addition, we hope to inform the campers about future STEM career paths and provide them with lifelong friendships and connections.
Video: Click Here
Video: Click Here
Camp Schedule:
Tues, March 7th, 3:30 -- 6:00 - CAD and 3D Printing
Thurs, March 9th, 3:30 -- 6:00 - CAD and 3D Printing
Tues, March 14th, 3:30 -- 6:00 - Scratch Game Making
Thurs, March 16th, 3:30 -- 6:00 - Guest Speaker + Art and AI
Tues, March 21st, 3:30 -- 6:00 - Pipers
Thurs, March 23rd, 3:30 -- 6:00 - Pipers + Show-and-tell + Gifts
Tues, March 7th, 3:30 -- 6:00 - CAD and 3D Printing
Thurs, March 9th, 3:30 -- 6:00 - CAD and 3D Printing
Tues, March 14th, 3:30 -- 6:00 - Scratch Game Making
Thurs, March 16th, 3:30 -- 6:00 - Guest Speaker + Art and AI
Tues, March 21st, 3:30 -- 6:00 - Pipers
Thurs, March 23rd, 3:30 -- 6:00 - Pipers + Show-and-tell + Gifts
pictures from the camp:
UNIT 1: CAD and 3d Printing
Our first unit was an introduction to CAD (Computer Aided Design) and 3D-printing. We used a browser-based software called Onshape for all of our design and modeling. Here, the girls were taught how to navigate and create basic shapes and designs. Eventually, they were able to bring their creativity and imagination to life in the form of customized name tags/key chains.
unit 2: Video game programming
The second unit was an introduction to video game programming with Scratch, which is a beginner coding language that uses block-coding to introduce concepts like loops, if statements, and variables. We taught some of the basic components of a game, including how to design a game that has interactions between characters. Campers were then able to work independently to create their own games. To wrap up the unit, we had Pamela Maupin come in as a guest speaker and talk about her career, personal projects, and experiences as a technical artist at Amazon Games.
unit 3: art and ai
Our third unit focused on the intersection between art and AI. We led them through an interactive Peardeck presentation and discussion about computational creativity and the role of AI in creativity. Campers were also introduced to DALL·E, an AI system created by OpenAI that produces realistic images based on text prompts from users. The girls were then able to practice writing detailed requests in order to create desired images and take printed copies home.
unit 4: pipers
Our fourth and final unit center around assembling PIPERS, a small computer kit that utilizes raspberry pi. In groups of 2-3, the girls were able to develop their engineering skills by putting these kits together. When they were finished, they were able to play around with the practice their coding skills on the PIPERS, using breadboards and LED lights to code light shows or play music.
Results and reflection:
This academic year marked a shift in new leadership and many new members. As such, we were faced with our fair share of ups and downs. Many of us took on significant mentoring roles for the first time and we learned to navigate the craziness, chaos, and fun that comes with planning a successful after-school camp and leading younger girls. It was definitely a learning experience for everyone.
With the help of Girls Who Code members and our mentor, Mrs. G, we were able to put together a three week camp during the month of March. We met with elementary girls every Tuesday and Thursday for 2.5 hours at a time. During camp, the girls were pushed to their limits, sometimes struggling and often forced to think critically to find solutions to their problems. They learned not only the hard, technical skills of programming and engineering, but also the soft skills of collaboration, perseverance, and resourcefulness--all necessary and valuable skills in today's ever-changing and advancing job market.
Our camp centered around community-building. As an after-school program, we aimed to create a fun, creative, and comfortable space girls could look forward to after a long day at school. Here, they were able to collaborate with one another, ask questions, and explore to their heart's content. We further encouraged them to continue their programming journey into high school and beyond by introducing them to the LCHS Engineering Team and their many robotics projects.
With the help of Girls Who Code members and our mentor, Mrs. G, we were able to put together a three week camp during the month of March. We met with elementary girls every Tuesday and Thursday for 2.5 hours at a time. During camp, the girls were pushed to their limits, sometimes struggling and often forced to think critically to find solutions to their problems. They learned not only the hard, technical skills of programming and engineering, but also the soft skills of collaboration, perseverance, and resourcefulness--all necessary and valuable skills in today's ever-changing and advancing job market.
Our camp centered around community-building. As an after-school program, we aimed to create a fun, creative, and comfortable space girls could look forward to after a long day at school. Here, they were able to collaborate with one another, ask questions, and explore to their heart's content. We further encouraged them to continue their programming journey into high school and beyond by introducing them to the LCHS Engineering Team and their many robotics projects.
This year, we wanted to focus on the intersection between art and STEM. We designed our camp schedule and began creating sign-up flyers to be distributed by principals and teachers from elementary schools like PCR, LCE, and PCY. Through online postings as well as physical posters, we were able to reach max capacity in about a week. At the same time, we applied for the GirlsBuild LA $1000 grant. GirlsBuild LA has been a longtime partner of our LCHS Girls Who Code Club and a crucial part to our camp, giving us the ability to hold it for free.
"I had a great time as a counselor and loved watching the girls work together to solve problems. I was also really impressed by how creative each girl was. They made some really cool things."
-Vivien Chen, GWC Co-President
"It was lots of fun and lots of hard work."
-Anonymous Software Sisters Innovation Camper
"This year was a great learning experience for everyone. We all stepped up and proved, not only to others, but also to ourselves, that we were capable of creating a successful camp experience for younger girls."
-Jessica Li, GWC Co-President
Our camp presentation and sign-up form:
Budget PDF: Click Here
Impact Report:
Impact Report: